i've been lurking around on ebay trying to spot some good deals on a 2013 SRAM Red groupset. some used version looks great condition and since i don't race, it should be ok. but how can i tell if they are the actual 2013 sram red and not the 2012 model?

afterall, it's not listed on the parts itself, or is it?

finally.. this may sound silly.. but any chance of tuning the 2013 to be even lighter? or should i look at buying parts separately to reduce the weight further?

hi alex... i guess what i was trying to figure out is the 2013 red that is the lightest weight over the 2012 model. i doubt the 11 speed will help me much.. i'm trying to change the components on my addictR1 into a climbing machine, yet have the speed on the flats.

Do you mean the new style SRAM Red (shown in image 1) and how to tell if it was manufactured in 2012 or 2013?Because you can't unless you check serial numbers with SRAM and they can give you manufacture date.....

Many brakes are significantly lighter than the stock brakes from manufacturers. The tradeoff, sometimes, can be braking power. For example, SRAM Red's brakes are exceptionally well rated (along with Dura-Ace), but they're comparatively heavy compared to the brakes WW prefer.

KCNC has a few different brake options (different levels, C7, C6, for example) - and the reviews can be mixed depending on what type of terrain you ar riding, your weight, what pads you use, and so forth.

Right now the best "deal" for light weight might be the Planet-X CNC brakes (also under different brands) as they have relatively strong braking power and modulation. Certainly not Dura-Ace or Red, but pretty great regardless and much lighter.

Braking power will be vastly improved by choosing the right pad and using the correct pad with the correct braking surface (aluminum or carbon).

SRAM in general is best described as a very direct and mechanical-sounding click. Similar to Campagnolo maybe in the 'thunk' of the shifting of gears. Shifts well though, just as all groups shift well regardless of tier. What you're getting with Red is the loss in weight and the 'latest tech' as the lower levels get features trickled down from the top.Shimano shifting by comparison is very quiet and 'smooth' in feel.Campagnolo has its own flares and values too.

I suggest you stop by a local shop or ask a friend and try to get a test ride in on a Campagnolo and a SRAM drivetrain to see what style you like best in feel, sound, lever shape for your hands, and action method. They're all different and they each work very well! Top tiers for Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo are always going to be the lightest (and most expensive).

thanks for the tip.. maybe i'll swing by LBS over the weekend to give it a try. my friend recently upgraded to the 2013 dura ace and he said it shifted like butter. for me, my goal is to drop the weight on my addictR1... it's way to heavy now.

i don't mind the mechanical sounding click.. probably will sound like a 1DX when pressing the shutter.

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